Pastor (Full or Part-Time) - Union University Church, Alfred, NY

Written By Vanessa Ely

Church Info

The vision of Bethel Community Presbyterian Church is to be a community reimagining church around God’s great welcome table. We are a multigenerational, multiethnic, hybrid, LGBTQIA+ affirming PC(USA) church in San Leandro, CA that currently has both local presence and digital reach, and around 120 people involved in the life of the church in some form. We are also home to the Bethel Campus Resilience Hub, which includes the work of the San Leandro community garden and SL community food pantry.

For more about our church, please visit: www.bethel-community.org

Job Description

The Union University Church, a progressive non-denominational Christian community (https://unionuniversitychurch.org/), is calling for a pastor to join with the congregation in fulfilling our purpose to be a living embodiment of the inclusive, just, and compassionate love of God. Our new Pastor will teach, inspire, guide, care for, and support the congregation as we strive to live lives that embody these values and work towards a more equitable and loving world.

The Union University Church (UUC) continues our 100-year legacy of thriving at the center of our rural Western New York college town, serving as a testament to what really matters as a community of faith. The Pastor will take an active role in the community, relating to the multiple generations that form our theologically diverse congregation, and nurturing inclusivity and true acceptance for all. Recognizing that ministry calls individuals from different stages of life, we are open to a Pastor with a bi-vocational commitment, blending a part-time pastoral appointment with another vocation, or to a Pastor who can serve full-time.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plan, prepare, and lead worship where members participate both in person and remotely/online.

  • Present well-organized, biblically based, and thought-provoking sermons that inspire congregants to live out their faith in daily life.

  • Prepare and lead all special worship events of the Church, including but not limited to Christmas Eve and Holy Week Services, as well as weddings, baptisms, funerals/celebrations of life, and other similar celebrations.

  • Foster the welcoming culture of UUC, encouraging exploration by families, students, and community members, with follow-up to encourage deeper engagement and membership for those interested.

  • Provide supportive pastoral care, including phone/video and home/hospital in-person visits, to congregational members, families, and community members.

  • Collaborate with the leaders of the adult Christian Education, youth and children’s programs.

  • Work in partnership with local institutions of higher education and other social organizations on social justice and outreach initiatives that put Christian values into action.

  • Participate in church activities and in events that engage with the community.

  • Serve as ex-officio to all church boards and committees.

  • Use technology including social media and virtual ministry, for outreach and communication.

  • Build a cohesive team of UUC staff members and church leaders who work together to fulfill our mission.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • Devout personal faith in Christ as the grounding for bringing God’s message of love, respect, healing, and inclusion to UUC, the Alfred community, and places and people beyond.

  • Christian beliefs congruent with the UUC’s realistic theology, championing openness and progressivism, always seeking to learn the Bible with new eyes and hearts, and committed to reclaiming church and Christ’s way through love and compassion.

  • Graduation from an accredited seminary or divinity school, or comparable theological study.

  • Commitment to a pastoral role; ordination valued but not required.

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills characterized by empathic listening, effective written and verbal communications, and success in team settings.

  • Readiness to help lead in ministry, Christian education, community outreach, and pastoral care programs that embrace shared values of faith, freedom, and fellowship.

  • Comfortable with technology to extend the connections and impact of the Union University Church.

ABOUT ALFRED NEW YORK

Alfred was founded in 1807 by members of the Seventh Day Baptist denomination on lands inhabited by the Seneca Indians, the “Keepers of the Western Door” of the Iroquois Confederation. Located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains and close to the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York, Alfred is easily accessible from Rochester (90 minutes drive) or Buffalo (two hours drive). Over 4000 students study at Alfred University (https://www.alfred.edu/) or Alfred State College (https://www.alfredstate.edu/), contributing to a community known for arts, education, and a history of progressive thinking and caring. The Union University Church is housed in an historic building in the heart of the village, hosting many community activities and organizations. Seven colleges and universities are located within a 60-mile radius. Opportunities abound for outdoor activities such as hiking, cross-country and downhill skiing, kayaking, hunting, fishing, and camping, or for cheering on the Alfred University Saxons or the Alfred State College Pioneers.

SALARY & BENEFITS

We offer a competitive salary, commensurate with level of experience. The benefits package for a full-time appointment includes four weeks paid vacation, disability coverage, housing allotment, and Flex Account for medical expenses. Part-time salary and benefits package to be negotiated based on weekly hours dedicated to the position.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates responding to this Pastoral Call should send the following:

  • Letter of interest addressing the qualities and qualifications sought for this position

  • Resume

  • List of at least four references with contact information and relation to the candidate

Please email application materials to Nancy Evangelista, Chair of UUC Pastoral Search Committee, at nancyjevangelista@gmail.com. Printed application packets may be mailed to the Union University Church, 29 N. Main Street, Alfred, NY 14802. Applications submitted by December 31, 2025, will be given priority consideration. Appointment to the position is conditional upon the successful completion of a background check.

Any other relevant information or link to apply?: https://unionuniversitychurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/UUC-Pastoral-Position-Posting-10202025.pdf

Vanessa Ely
Next

Director of Operations - Bethel Community Presbyterian Church (San Leandro, CA)